This year marks a major milestone for Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) as it celebrates its 20th anniversary with a yearlong party that features a spectacular lineup of new entertainment, community initiatives, and a bold vision for the future. Since opening its gates in 2005, HKDL has become a beloved destination for Disney fans across Asia and beyond.
“HKDL has become the tourism flagship for Hong Kong and the region now. We hope this milestone year will be filled with immersive entertainment, unforgettable moments, and boundless magic and surprises that only Hong Kong Disneyland can create,” Michael Moriarty, Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, said.
A Celebration Like Never Before
To commemorate two decades of storytelling and innovation, HKDL has launched its most ambitious entertainment slate to date.
“This party is a vibrant celebration like never before,” Moriarty noted. “Guests can get up close and interact with beloved Disney characters, both classic and new, as we bring everyone together for the festivities. Prepare to experience the full celebration with all your favorite Disney friends.”
At the heart of the celebration is a trio of new entertainment experiences designed to dazzle guests of all ages.
For the 15-minute concert-style show “Disney Friends Live: Party at the Castle!,” Paul Rivet, Executive Director, Entertainment, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, noted that guests can expect “vibrant pop music, fun interactive moments, and favorite Disney characters all in one magical performance.”
The show — which will “get everyone into the party spirit,” according to Rivet — includes three large LED screens displaying mesmerizing visuals and new scenic elements like fog jets and cold pyro to energize partygoers, in front of the castle decked out with giant balloons and banners, making for an epic backdrop.
Disney Princesses Aurora, Tiana, and Belle make a grand entrance in never-before-seen party attire, while live vocalists perform three original songs, including the 20th anniversary anthem, “The Most Magical Party of All.”
The celebration continues with “Friendtastic!”, the largest parade in HKDL’s history. “This dazzling 30-minute parade has been two years in the making,” Christie Evangelisto, Creative Director, Entertainment, Hong Kong Disneyland, noted. “The parade showcases 11 groups of Disney friends, each on brand-new floats. There will be several firsts in Hong Kong Disneyland’s parade history, including the very first Duffy and Friends-themed float and an Encanto-themed float.”
Over 100 performers, including more than 30 beloved Disney characters — some making their Hong Kong Disneyland debut — bring the parade to life. “Four original songs were created just for this parade,” Evangelisto added.
Rounding out the entertainment is “Momentous: Party in the Night Sky,” an enhanced nighttime spectacular that adds eight minutes of new story moments, breathtaking projections, and drone choreography.
“Mickey Mouse gathers friends from more than 20 beloved stories to bring decorations and music to ‘The Most Magical Party of All,’” Rivet, said.
A Legacy of Impact
Beyond entertainment, the 20th anniversary is a moment to reflect on HKDL’s community impact.
“As a flagship destination for Hong Kong tourism, HKDL has offered unique Disney storytelling and authentic experiences to locals and tourists for nearly two decades,” Moriarty said. “When people think of what to do in Hong Kong, ‘go to Disneyland’ is always one of the top recommendations.”
Throughout its 20 years of bringing Disney stories and characters to its guests in the region, HKDL has created tens of thousands of jobs on its way to becoming one of the largest entertainment employers in Hong Kong. And, over the past 19 years, Disney VoluntEARS have contributed nearly 123,000 hours to help children in hospitals and children with disabilities.
This year, as part of its anniversary celebration, HKDL will double its annual donation of 100,000 complimentary park tickets to community organizations serving those in need.
“HKDL has the most passionate fans,” Moriarty said. “As we reflect on our journey, we celebrate the spirit of togetherness that HKDL fosters, making our city a happier and more welcoming place.”
Looking Ahead
As HKDL celebrates its past, it is also looking boldly toward the future.
“Following the successful launch of World of Frozen in 2023, the current 20th anniversary, and our current expansion plans with more Super Hero-themed experiences, a Pixar entertainment offering, and more new guest offerings in development, HKDL has a solid pipeline for future growth,” Moriarty said.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is looking forward to a bright future ahead.
“We remain agile and committed to providing innovative experiences and exceptional service for our guests,” Moriarty said. “Those are a testament to the ideals that have guided us for the last 20 years.”
